Is my line of thinking logical?

illymost · Jul 5, 2012

Sorry for another what should I buy thread, but here's what I got.

My wife and I just bought 104 acres in north GA. 35 Acres in pasture, 20 Acres in damp bottom land, the remainder in brush and pines. The land has some slope to it. Averages 7 or 8 degrees but probably 20 degrees on some of the trails in the woods. There are some old stumps I'd like to get out of some of the trails. I'd like to widen the existing trails and cut some more. I need to keep up with the pasture, we'd eventually like to hay some of the pasture. Gonna need to grade out the driveway and dig plenty of holes for fencing. I really like the M6800 but would like to stay around 30,000 including implements. The previous owner says I need 4wd and at least 60 HP. My problem is, I think I'm going to have to buy new because of financing which in turn pushes me out of my 30,000 budget. Does it sound like I could go with a little less tractor, maybe something around 50 HP?

Also I have a full time job so getting the jobs done in a timely fashion is a must. Thanks in advance.

smilinjak · Jul 5, 2012

If you are on this site your thinking could not possibly be logical. lol Fifty horse power should do anything you want to do on your property some jobs might take a little longer but think of all the big farm work that was done in years past with 25 to 30 horsepower. The hydraulic setup of a new tractor will determine a lot of what you can do. Another point; the bigger the power potential the more expensive the implements. If you overpower you can break a lot of stuff. Depending on the size and condition of the stumps you might want to consider a stump grinder. Piston has the insde scoop on that tool. Welcome to the bunch.
Smilinjak

illymost · Jul 5, 2012

Thanks for the reply. I don't know too much about tractors and don't want to regret going smaller, but I think the financial realities will override any feelings of regret in size, lol.

smilinjak · Jul 5, 2012

Sometimes the realities of the finances over ride the fantasy of desire. If money was no object (independently wealthy) I would have a different size tractor for every day of the week. As it is I have one that I make do with. The shopping and drooling, what iffing , and maybe I oughtas can keep you entertained for a long time. Doesn't get much work done though.
Smilinjak

JoeinTX · Jul 5, 2012

104 acres isn't just a whole lot. I see no reason why a 50hp tractor w/loader wouldn't handle 90% of all the things you might want to do. ****, you could probably do 75% with a 40hp tractor. I've done a heck of a lot of mowing, farming, earth moving, and fencing with a gas engine 1953 Ford NAA with 30hp on 1000 mixed acres.

You could hire out the clearing/stumping jobs and have them done in a more timely manner than you might pay for a bigger rig to do them yourself. You can easily, easily hay 35 acres with a 40-50hp tractor.

In a modern CUT, you are not buying a seudo-bulldozer. It's a maintenance machine, not a primary reclamation machine. It will do a fair amount and surprise you. But it's not a replacement for iron and experience.

Get a contractor in there to take out the serious obstacles and buy a tractor to maintain them afterwards.

BrokenAxle46 · Jul 5, 2012

I agree with JoeinTX, a 50hp tractor should do all you need. The heavier the equipment, the more it cost to operate, maintain or repair. Your main concern is the long term needs, not something that once done will never have to do again. If the job is too big, get someone to help or hire it done. Having a neighbor that could help goes a long way and could lead to making a good friend that could help one another. Is there such a thing as one tractor fits all, Hmmmmm, "Farmall"? Apparently someone thought so at some point. The front wheel assist on the CUT's is a game changer, on a 50hp tractor, if that isn't big enough you probably shouldn't be doing it by yourself, get some help.
Kurt

TripleR · Jul 5, 2012

As mentioned on another recent thread, horsepower is only part of the equation as weight, transmission ype, hydraulic output, lift capacities will vary. A Kubota Grand L 5240 will perform differently than an M5040. Generally speaking, I am pretty much in agreement with the others, you are in the ball park; now HST vs Gear Ag vs Industrial, Cab vs Open Station, how many rear remotes, accessories/attachments etc.

illymost · Jul 5, 2012

Appreciate the responses guys. I'll probably go with one remote and the hydraulic shuttle. What do you guys think of the Kubota MX series. I've heard it's kind of a bare boned tractor, but at this point it should have everything I would need. I don't think they come with a remote. Also I would go open cab, ag tires, 4WD. Front loader, rotary cutter, post hole digger. What's the learning curve on using the front loader to even out the driveway? Is it worth it to get a box blade? Thanks again.

newbury · Jul 5, 2012

A box blade is very worthwhile, especially for any length of gravel road.
I'd also suggest pallet forks and if you can afford it a grapple.

Other good accessories are a 20' trailer and a diesel dually

bigbull338 · Jul 5, 2012

a MX5100 HST 4x4 w LA844 quicktatch loader will do everything you want it todo an more.an its a nice size tractor.if your going tobe in the woods alot you really need R4 tires.as they wont puncture so easy.

Bluegill2 · Jul 5, 2012

illymost said:
Appreciate the responses guys. I'll probably go with one remote and the hydraulic shuttle. What do you guys think of the Kubota MX series. I've heard it's kind of a bare boned tractor, but at this point it should have everything I would need. I don't think they come with a remote. Also I would go open cab, ag tires, 4WD. Front loader, rotary cutter, post hole digger. What's the learning curve on using the front loader to even out the driveway? Is it worth it to get a box blade? Thanks again.

bigbull338 said:
a MX5100 HST 4x4 w LA844 quicktatch loader will do everything you want it todo an more.an its a nice size tractor.if your going tobe in the woods alot you really need R4 tires.as they wont puncture so easy.

MX is Fine! I like bare bones tractors, but the MX isn't all that bare. 50hp is plenty for what you described, 35-45hp would do the jobs.

We have 400 acres, mowing, road work, firewood, clearing and logging. Have a 45hp and 38hp, both 4wd w/loaders. I use the 38hp more, because I like it better...

TripleR · Jul 5, 2012

I have no personal experience with the MX5100, but everything I have read on here by owners has been positive.

Like others, I really like a box blade for all around utility such as smoothing roads and moving dirt. I find a hydraulic toplink to be really helpful. Others prefer these, but I have no personal experience with one; there is a long thread on them somewhere on here. GS25 Series Grading Scrapers | Land Pride

As to tires transmission and tires it's a never ending debate.

pat32rf · Jul 5, 2012

I'm in your position as regards to acrage and chores. Owned a JD4300 for ten years now and there have been very few times I wanted anything bigger. Much rather have the smaller size of a 30-40hp HST when around the buildings or bush.
The only time its too small is when I'm trying to move really big rocks.....

MossflowerWoods · Jul 5, 2012

illymost said:
Does it sound like I could go with a little less tractor, maybe something around 50 HP?

Also I have a full time job so getting the jobs done in a timely fashion is a must. Thanks in advance.

illymost,

We LOVE"what should I buy?" threads, no need to apologize. :thumbsup:

Please look at the Kioti DK50. I have about half the acreage, but many of the same concerns and ideas. My Kioti was the biggest, best bang for the buck last summer when I was in the exact same spot. I got the most tractor, most features, and most attachments for the least $$$. I also got a great dealer in the process.

This is a great tractor with plenty of umph for every job I've tried.

Be well, and welcome to TBN!
David

Welcome to TBN, we LIVE for "what should I buy?" threads sir, no need to apologize.

I have about 1/2 the land, but many of the same conditions and concerns you do. I've been cleaning up clea

illymost · Jul 5, 2012

Thanks for everyone's input. I'm gonna go to the dealer this weekend and see if I can't test drive the MX5100 and M5140. Then I'll try to resist the urge to hop on a 7040. Wish me luck.

I read somewhere on this forum that dealers have been known to go 15% under MSRP. Is this a commonly accepted practice or does it vary? What factors go into it? Other than how bad the dealer needs to sell a tractor. Thanks again.

smilinjak · Jul 5, 2012

Illymost:
You mentioned one set of remotes. That is about a third of what you should start with unless you are handy with hydraulics. Three wouldn't be three times the money while the dealer is into the job. Saves a lot of time to have it done during the set up before you take delivery. The only way you could do any good on the driveway with the FEL would be to use it in a back blade fashion. That takes a lot of time and doesn't turn out very well either. A box blade is ideal with second choice being a 3 point scrape blade. The scrape blade could be used for snow removal in an area that gets enough snow to need it. I don't think your part of Georgia gets that much.
As far as price, it is like buying a car. Make a low offer and work from there. I have had the best luck establishing a base price then negotiating price for the add ons. I would have the rear tires filled with a non-corrosive fluid like Rim-Gard. There are ways and product you can use to do it yourself and save a few bucks. There is a thread on this site that goes into that. My choice is R4 tires but some folks swear by Ag tires. Both have advantages. Have fun shopping!!!!!!!!!!
Smilinjak

illymost · Jul 10, 2012

Went up to the property last weekend and talked with the owner (we close the end of Aug.). He said a lot of the trails and bush hogging took too long for his taste with a 50 HP tractor. He actually has a M6800 and said it takes him 2 days to mow the pasture and keep all the trails open. Before that he said it was a 3 day job. So I said F*** it. Started looking at the M7040HD-1. FEL, 2 remotes, non corrosive in the tires, best quote so far was $34,448.00. I'll be going the low financing route. What do you guys think about that price?

Also think I'm going to go for the Bushhog 326 rotary cutter although I haven't started getting quotes on any implements yet.

joshuabardwell · Jul 10, 2012

If you get a loader, do not fail to also get a ballast box and, if desired, loaded tires. Not knowing a lot about tractors, I significantly under-estimated the importance of rear ballast with a loader, and only really fully realized when I took the loader off for a task and was amazed at how differently the tractor handled. IMO, the choice between loaded tires AND a ballast box or just a good, heavy ballast box is debatable. IMO, loaded tires alone are insufficient, because they do not take any weight off the front axles, which I believe is important with an FEL--and my tractor's user manual agrees with me. It has lift capacity for ballast+loaded tires or ballast alone, but doesn't even mention loaded tires alone. And seriously, don't even think about passing on ballast entirely with an FEL. Yes, you can get by. I am right now, because I didn't know better when I purchased. But I'm putting more load on my front axle than I need to, and I'm taking unnecessary risks every time I put significant weight in the bucket.

If you have a heavy enough box blade or some other such implement, you may choose to use it as rear ballast instead of a dedicated box.

joshuabardwell · Jul 10, 2012

illymost said:
Also think I'm going to go for the Bushhog 326 rotary cutter although I haven't started getting quotes on any implements yet.

Feel free to buy new implements if that's what floats your boat, but keep in mind that there is a robust secondary market on 3-point implements, and you can find 100% serviceable equipment at as much as 50% of new price. You pay a lot for that fresh paint job!